INEC Kicks Off 2026 Electoral Test With FCT, Rivers, Kano Bye-Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to conduct its first major electoral exercise under the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, holding the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections this Saturday alongside crucial bye-elections in Rivers and Kano states. According to Ireporter Online, the polls are widely seen as a key test of the new law as INEC prepares for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, revealed that 1,680,315 registered voters are expected to participate in the FCT elections, spread across 2,822 polling units within the six Area Councils. The FCT polls are distinctive, being the only local government-level elections directly managed by INEC, in contrast to state-administered local elections elsewhere in the country. Observers note that the exercise will serve as a strategic rehearsal for the 2027 general elections.

In addition to the FCT exercise, INEC will conduct bye-elections in Rivers State for the Ahoada East II and Khana II State constituencies, as well as in Kano State for the Kano Municipal and Ungogo State constituencies.

A central feature of the Electoral Act 2026 is the formal entrenchment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Election Results Viewing Portal (IReV). These technological tools, previously introduced to enhance transparency, are now legally mandated, allowing INEC to manage real-time adjustments and maintain credibility during Saturday’s elections.

To facilitate smooth voting, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced a work-free day and imposed a restriction of movement across the territory. In a statement delivered through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said the measures, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would enable residents to travel to their communities to participate in the polls. The restriction of movement will be in effect from 8 p.m. on February 20 to 6 p.m. on February 21, 2026, with all security agencies instructed to ensure full compliance.

Wike urged residents to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly, highlighting the elections as critical for shaping grassroots development. He described the process as an opportunity to demonstrate the maturity of the electorate and to elect leaders capable of driving progress in the territory. The minister also commended President Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to credible elections.

Encouraging a high voter turnout, Wike called on residents to actively participate in choosing chairmen and councillors who would contribute meaningfully to development, peace, and prosperity in the FCT.